Obituaries for Wednesday February 9th

Richard Edwin Oetken, 97, of Burlington, died at Monday, February 7, 2022 at the Klein Center in West Burlington.

Born October 29, 1924 in Burlington, he was the son of Edward D. and Mary A. (Bartusch) Oetken.  Richard was raised on the family farm on Irish Ridge Road five miles north of Burlington.  He attended Hunter School, north of Burlington and graduated at the age of 13.  Richard’s strong work ethic began at an early age on the family farm.  At 15, he decided to leave home and seek employment.  He worked on various farms, construction jobs, and assisted in building the Flint Hills Golf Course where he laid the water main and the first nine greens.  Richard was employed husking corn and logging during winter months.  Other work experiences include: Gustafson Dairy I.O.A. Foods Manufacturing Company in Cedar Rapids, McGraw Electric in West Chicago, Star Kimble Electric in Burlington, Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, construction in Marshalltown, and J.I. Case Co. in Burlington where he worked for 28 years retiring in 1985.  Over the years, he often worked two jobs.  Between times he purchased, remodeled and sold six homes.

In 1978, Richard decided to end working two jobs, working only one so he could begin volunteering, helping older individuals.  In December 2004, he had to quit this volunteerism due to health reasons.

Richard E. Oetken served in the Iowa State Guard, Co. A, First Regiment.  In 1945, he was drafted into the United States Army serving in the 77th Infantry Division, Co. B.  In 1946, he was transferred to the Army Air Force and served in the 136th AACS, Iceland Base Command.  Corporal Oetken was discharged in 1947 at Army Air Force Base, Westover Field, Massachusetts.

Richard was of the Baptist faith, a member of the Eagles Lodge Aerie 150, Moose Lodge #579, American Legion, a life member of V.F.W. Post #9162 and a Union member of UAW Local 807.

Richard loved music and dancing.  He attended many Bluegrass, Country Western and Gospel music events.  Over the years, he attended four of the Gather Gospel Music Shows and two Lawrence Welk shows.  He loved to attend the Midwest Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant and in 2001 was the Grand Marshal in the parade.  He also enjoyed the shows and visiting all the friendly people.  He loved to read many newspapers, farm magazines and medical books.  He enjoyed traveling in his younger years.

Generosity reflects Richard’s character with major contributions to Midwest Old Threshers.  He gave generously to most area churches, mission fields in Romania, Notre Dame Schools, Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, and the Morning Sun Development Corporation.

Richard being a strong supporter of the military, donated to veteran memorials including: the WWII Memorial site on Division St. in Burlington, Des Moines County Freedom Rock in Mediapolis, American Legion #112 in Morning Sun, VFW Post #10102 in Burlington, and recently the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre and WWI Soldiers Lot restoration projects in Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington, and many other National Memorials and Veterans Organizations.

He gave to other area projects like Burlington Friends of the Depot, R.F.D. Postal Museum in Morning Sun, Danville Station Museum & Library, Dover Historical Society in New London, grain rescue equipment for Danville, Yarmouth and West Point Fire Departments.  He gave to other area projects which are too many to list.

Proceeding him in death are his parents and two sisters.  He is survived by 1 niece and 3 nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at Lunning Chapel for Midwest Old Threshers.

The Funeral Service for Mr Oetken will be held at Lunning Chapel on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Larry Dodds officiating.  Full military honors will be rendered by Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard.  Burial will follow at Aspen Grove Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com

 

 

Benny Leon Dowell , 67, of Burlington, died at 2:30 AM Thursday, January 27, 2022, at his home.

Born October 31, 1954, in La Harpe, IL, he was the son of Cleo Ben and Edith M. Miller Dowell. On March 5, 1982 he married Jody Foster. They later divorced.

When he was young, he help the Tree Surgeons with his father. Benny worked on motorcycles and could always be found wrenching.

He loved motorcycles and was a member of The Chosen Few Motorcycle Club, Burlington Chapter. He was always working on something and had a mind for inventing. He was a free spirited, party animal and you would never have a dull moment if you were with him. He was a born again Christian. He was always there for his friends and family when they needed anything and will be remembered for his heart of gold.  Most of all Benny loved his family and friends, he will be missed by many.

Survivors include his children, Harley Dowell of Burlington, Nicole Dowell Foster of Burlington, Michael Jagerson of Burlington, Richard Foster of Williamsburg, Timothy Forester of Wisconsin, Levi Eipert of Washington State, Marcella Kieler of Cedar Rapids and Axel Kieler of Cedar Rapids; 14 grandchildren; six siblings, Theresa K. Snowden of Burlington, Roger A. Dowell of Lomax, IL, Tanya Chewning of Kirkwood, IL, Marsha A. Trout of Stronghurst, IL, Dawn (Darran) Dowell Reverend of Burlington, IA and Tom Dowell of Burlington; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Richard Dowell and Randall Dowell and one sister, Joan Gerling.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

The memorial service for Mr. Dowell will be 11:00 AM Friday, February 11, 2022 at First Assembly of God, 1809 Agency Street, Burlington, IA with Rev. Dustin Holmes officiating. Burial will be at a later date. A time of food and fellowship will be held at First Assembly of God immediately following the service.

A memorial has been established for his family.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Benny’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.

 

 

Elaine Walters, 100, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Sunrise Terrace Care Center in Winfield, Iowa.  Born May 10, 1921, in Hamilton, Illinois, she was the daughter of Lynn Harlow and Helen Summers Hosford.  On February 21, 1942, she married Charles Edward Walters in Newton, Iowa.  They celebrated 64 years of marriage in 2006, the year he passed away.

Mrs. Walters graduated from Ft. Madison High School and lived in Burlington, Danville, New London and Mt. Pleasant.  She and Charley spent 29 winters in Mesa, Arizona after retirement. They enjoyed RVing and traveled to all 48 contiguous states, Canada and Mexico.  She was a homemaker and while raising her family she was a Sunday School teacher, a Girl Scout leader and a 4-H leader.  She loved reading, dancing, golf, and playing cards; but she especially loved her family.

Survivors include her daughters Terry (Delmar) Small of Bloomington, Illinois and Kathy Nellor of Mt. Pleasant; one niece whom they raised, Peg (Duane) Siegfried of Port Charlotte, Florida; three grandchildren, Natalie (Justin) Burgus of Mt. Pleasant, Rachel (Duane) Bebb of Salem and Bryan (Soosi) Siegfried of Staunton, Illinois; five great-grandchildren, Garrett Burgus, River Bebb, and Charley, Jose and Ace Siegfried; and special niece and nephews, Jan (Gary) Perry of Yreka, California, Rollie (Lori) Ford of Georgetown, Texas, and Jeff (Nan) Walters of Burlington.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law Dennis Nellor; nephews whom they raised, Randy and Bunker Upton; and her sister Lynore Frey.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Rev. Trey Hagar officiating.  According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date.  Immediately following the service, the family will greet friends at the chapel. The family wishes to thank the staff of Sunrise Terrace and EveryStep Hospice for their compassionate care of Elaine.  Memorials may be directed to EveryStep Hospice or The Vintage Raven Kitten Haven.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

 

 

Randy Wagner Sr., 67, of Burlington, died at 9:15 PM Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Born October 4, 1954, in Burlington, he was the son of Harold L. and Bonnie J. Schmitz Wagner.

He worked as a meter reader for Iowa Southern Utilities, prior to working in construction.

In his youth, he attended Messiah Lutheran Church, and later attended the First Assembly of God Church.

He loved motorcycles, old cars, and enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and playing pool. He liked watching football on TV and later became a Cowboys fan. He loved his dog, Joker, and his cat, Crackers.

Survivors include his two sons, Chad (Jennifer) Wagner of Byron, IL and Randy Ray Wagner, Jr. of Burlington; three grandsons, Jace, Brock, and Andrew; four granddaughters, Ausslin, BreAnna, Cortney, and Randi; two great grandchildren, Beau and Axle; one brother, Harold “Buzz” (Gayle) Wagner of Burlington; and one half brother, Marvin (Mary) Marritt of WA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Connie Daniel.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

The Celebration of Life for Mr. Wagner will be Wednesday February 9th from 2PM to 5PM, at Doris’ Tavern.  Inurnment will be held at a later date in Keokuk National Cemetery.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Randy’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.

 

 

Sandra L. Rutter-Wells (Blanchard), 57, of Burlington, died Sunday, February 6, 2022 at her home.

Born November 7, 1964 in DeKalb, IL, she was the daughter of Raymond Russell and GayLea (Wells) Rutter.

On January 24, 1991 Sandra married Jeffery H. Blanchard in Ft. Madison, IA.

Sandra earned her two-year nursing degree at SCC.  She was a homemaker.

She enjoyed following figure skaters Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov on Facebook.  She liked antique jewelry and she was a fan of Billy Idol.

Survivors include her husband; daughter Eryn L. Banchard-Wells and grandcat, Lastat of Waterloo, IA; sister Kim (David) Goble of Burlington; brother Michael (Renee) Rutter of Burlington.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial visitation for Sandra will be Thursday, February 10, 2022 from noon until 6:00 PM at Lunning Chapel. Inurnment will be at a later date at Claypoole cemetery.

Per Sandra’s wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to Lunning Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for PAWS of Ft Madison, IA.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com

 

 

Jeannie Dobroski, 92, of Davenport, formerly Burlington, died at 3:00 PM Friday, February 4, 2022, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

Born September 15, 1929, in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of Albert and Mary Jo Flynn Roush. On November 23, 1950, she married Eugene Howard. He preceded her in death on October 20, 2007, after 56 years of marriage.

She was a 1947 graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Pittsburgh, PA.

She was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bettendorf, former member of the Burlington Golf Club, volunteered her time at Birthright of Burlington, Hospital Auxiliary, and TTT Society. She enjoyed playing bridge and being an Iowa Hawkeye fan. She enjoyed working/socializing at Brinks in downtown Burlington for her 20% clothing discount and all the time she was able to spend chatting with friends. She was an avid reader and always enjoyed being the life of the party.

Survivors include her two sons, John Dobroski of Roswell, GA, and Paul (Cindy) Dobroski of Port Byron, IL; two daughters, Judy (Tom) Tiemeier of Bettendorf, IA, and Debbie (Danny) Bessine of Burlington; eleven grandchildren, Katie (Ryan) Meyer, Laura (Matt) Hatz, Mark (Grete) Tiemeier, Joanna (Cory) Wachal, Stephanie (Jesse) Wellington, Aaron Bessine, Jack and Dylan Dobroski, Morgan, Hannah and Michael Dobroski ; thirteen Great-Grandchildren, Addison, Carter, Serenity, Chloe, Gus, Isla, Tierney, Colin, Jake, Nora, Brea, Oliver, Bodhi; one sister, Pat Urling of FL, sister-in-law Natalie Roush of NC.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and brother David of Wilmington, NC.

Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.

The funeral service for Mrs. Dobroski will be 11:00 AM Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Regina’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.